Boston’s Best Outdoor Spring Activities For College Students

After a grueling winter, we’re all ready to put our down coats in storage, crank down the thermostat in our apartments, and finally enjoy some time outside. Though a Red Sox game or a trip to the Cape might seem like the obvious choices for springtime activities, college students on a budget usually can’t spare that much cash. There are plenty of ways to enjoy the spring sunshine without spending a fortune. Here are some of the best springtime activities for budget-conscious college students.

Photo credit: Facebook/Community Boating, Inc.

Kayak on the Charles River
Community Boating, Inc.
21 David G Mugar Way
Boston, MA 02114
(617) 523-1038www.community-boating.org

The view of Boston from a kayak on the Charles is breathtaking. And, as an added bonus, paddling out there is a great workout. Day rental for a kayak is about $35; it’s even cheaper at rental shops outside of the city. Spring is the best season for this activity, as the intense summer heat can make kayaking more exhausting than enjoyable.

If you rent a ZipCar or borrow your friend’s wheels, Blue Hills is only about 20 minutes outside of the city. Once you arrive, you’ll be pleasantly surprised that such a peaceful, naturally beautiful place exists in such close proximity to busy Boston. There are 22 different hills on this reservation, offering a wide variety of hiking trails. Whether you’re an expert or a first timer, you’ll find a trail that fits your skill level. At the peaks, you’ll get a beautiful view of the city. They only money you’ll have to spend is $5 on a trail map.

Though outdoor brunch on Newbury sounds nice, the prices run a bit high in that area. If you still want to enjoy the people-watching appeal of Back Bay, grab a meal from a food truck in Copley Square. The meals are cheap and delicious, and there are a number of places to sit in the sunshine and chow down. From breakfast sandwiches to falafel and ice cream sandwiches, food trucks satisfy any palate.

Photo credit: Travis Lindquist/Getty Images

Walk Around Fenway/Kenmore During A Game

Tickets to Red Sox games are expensive, especially after their championship winning season. You can still experience the excitement of Sox games by walking around the Fenway/Kenmore area. Surrounding restaurants have outdoor seating with lively crowds and fairly inexpensive options. Save your money for tickets in the summer when the weather is more reliable.

Photo credit: Facebook/Harvard Square

Go Shopping in Harvard Square

In comparison to Newbury and Charles Street, Harvard Square shops tend to have more realistic price points for college kids. Strolling outside from a vintage store to a used bookshop to another quirky Harvard Square business is the perfect way to feel the spring sunshine and window shop. The restaurants nearby also offer outdoor seating and reasonably priced menus.

Emily Chabot is a junior in the College of Communication at Boston University, majoring in Advertising and minoring in Political Science. She is the Digital Media intern for CBS Boston this Spring.